Visit Erie

Lake Erie sets the stage for one of the region’s most unforgettable events as Tall Ships Erie returns August 21–24.  Here’s what you need to know to make the most of Tall Ships Erie.

 

What is Tall Ships Erie?
Tall Ships Erie is a maritime celebration that is part of the Tall Ships Challenge®, an annual event organized by Tall Ships America that alternates between the Great Lakes, the Pacific, and the Atlantic coasts of North America. For four days, majestic tall ships drop anchor at Dobbins Landing and the Bayfront Convention Center for deck tours, day sails, live music, hands-on activities, and a vibrant waterfront festival.

 

Festival Schedule

• Festival Dates: August 21–24, 2025
• Festival Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Parade of Sail: Thursday, August 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Note: The festival grounds will not be open for viewing the Parade of Sail. See below for the best spots to watch!

 

Special Events

• Parade of Sails – Tall ships will gather in Lake Erie on Thursday, August 21, around 3 p.m. and sail in through the channel into Presque Isle Bay. Optimum viewing spots can be found here.
• Fireworks – Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets and Admission

• General Admission: $12/day
  • Includes access to festival grounds, music, activities, vendors, and ship viewing
• Deck Tour Add-On: $6 (must be purchased with general admission)
• Sailing Tickets: Sold separately
• Purchase: Online at TallShipsErie.org or in person at the Bayfront Maritime Center (call ahead at 844-542-3743)

 

Parking and Getting There

There is no parking on the festival grounds. Visitors are strongly encouraged to park downtown and either walk or take a shuttle to the festival site.

Recommended Public Garages, Surface Lots, and Park-n-Rides:

Public Parking Locations	Distance to Festival	Est. Walk Time
Garages
E 3rd and State Street Garage	0.7 mi	~13 min
7th and Peach Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.0 mi	~18 min
120 W 9th Street Garage	1.3 mi	~24 min
8th and French Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.2 mi	~22 min
10th and French Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.3 mi	~24 min
Surface Lots
Surface Lot 11 (French St between E 2nd and 3rd Streets)	0.7 mi	~13 min
Surface Lot 3 (E 3rd St between State and French Streets)	0.8 mi	~15 min
Surface Lot 7 (E 11th St between State and French Streets)	1.0 mi	~18 min
Surface Lot 2 (W 11th St between State and Peach Streets)	1.1 mi	~20 min
Surface Lot 1 (W 6th St next to the Erie County Courthouse)	1.2 mi	~22 min
Surface Lot 14 (W 13th St between State and Peach Streets)	1.4 mi	~25 min
Park-n-Rides
Intermodal Transportation Center 208 E Bayfront Parkway	0.3 mi	~5 min
Lincoln Park-n-Ride Intersection of Lincoln Ave and Bayfront Parkway	0.7 mi	~14 min
Liberty Park-n-Ride 828 W Bayfront Parkway	1.1 mi	~22 min

 

Additional Parking/Shuttle Information
Park-N-Ride locations, drop-off location at the Bayfront Convention Center:

• The parking garages at French and Peach (see above table)
• Intermodal Transportation Center
• Hoffman/Lincoln Park-N-Ride at Bayfront Parkway and Lincoln Avenue
• Liberty Park and Ride (next to the Sloppy Duck)
• A shuttle will also run within the event from the Intermodal Center to the Bayfront Convention Center.
• Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

NEW for 2025: Passengers with Tall Ships Erie tickets can ride any EMTA fixed route bus for free when presenting the driver with their ticket on event days. This is to encourage people to park/ride from other areas in the EMTA service footprint to avoid congestion downtown. All fixed routes can be found at https://ride-the-e.com/routes-2/ or use the free myStop app.

 

Where to Eat

Although separate food vendors will not be on festival grounds, there are many restaurants along the waterfront and downtown. For a complete list of dining options, click here.

 

• Waterfront
  • Bayhouse Oyster Bar & Restaurant
  • The Cove
  • Oliver’s Beer Garden
  • Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
  • Rum Runners
  • Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill
• Downtown
  • Brewerie at Union Station
  • Cloud 9 Wine Bar & Restaurant
  • Flagship City Food Hall
  • U Pick 6 Tap House

 

 

Where to Stay
If you are considering an overnight stay, book early as festival weekends tend to fill up fast. For a complete list of lodging options, click here.

• Waterfront
  • Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Bayfront
  • Courtyard by Marriott Bayfront Hotel
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront Hotel
  • Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
• Downtown
  • Red Roof Plus+ and Suites

While You’re in Town

Extend your stay and explore more of the Erie region.
For a complete list of things to do, click here or request a free Erie Visitor Guide.

 A full event schedule can be found at TallShipsErie.org.

Outdoor dining in Erie is more than just a meal; it’s about embracing all the sunny moments. From unwinding on the waterfront to discovering a cozy neighborhood patio, you’ll find that good food tastes even better with a little fresh air.

For more outside options, go to VisitErie’s dining page and look for the patio umbrella icon.

On the Water

The Cove Bayside Restaurant and Tavern: After a full-scale renovation, The Cove opened for the summer season with a fresh nautical look, a revamped menu, and the same unbeatable bayfront views. The 40-foot tiki hut adds a breezy, island-style touch, a perfect setting for sipping a tropical cocktail or digging into a plate of lobster nachos.

Edinboro Lake Resort Sunset Grill: Right on the edge of Edinboro Lake, the Sunset Grill offers casual waterfront dining in the picturesque town of Edinboro. With salads, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beer on the menu, plus live music Thursday through Sunday, it’s a low-key spot to kick back and take in the view.

JR’s on the Bay/Sloppy Duck Saloon: There’s nothing quite like summer at The Duck. A local favorite, this laid-back Erie Bayfront hangout comes to life with colorful bungalows, tiered decks, a roomy patio, and a sprawling tented space for dancing, sipping, dining, and soaking in the views.

Oliver’s Beer Garden: With up-close views of Presque Isle Bay and the Bicentennial Tower, Oliver’s is the place to unwind with cold beer, adult slushies, and casual food truck fare. Live weekend music adds an energetic vibe, making it a spot you’ll find hard to leave.

Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Perched atop the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel parking garage, this seasonal spot offers sweeping views of Presque Isle Bay from two spacious rooftop patios. Cozy up by a fire pit, sip under an umbrella, play cornhole, or settle into a lounge chair to enjoy a great meal and conversation.

Rum Runners: One of Erie’s go-to summer hangouts, Rum Runners is accessible via land or lake, with direct boat access to its sizeable patio. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help you secure a prime spot for incredible sunset views and live music.

Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill:  Erie’s only floating restaurant brings together casual eats, drinks, and live music, all in a breezy, Florida Keys-style setting. It’s a relaxed spot where delicious smash burgers and playful cocktails such as the Wobbly Worm are best enjoyed with a breeze and a view.

Around Town

Sara’s: Just outside the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, Sara’s welcomes visitors with its bright red picnic tables and playful 50s-style décor. It’s the kind of spot where a Smith’s foot-long hot dog or an orange-vanilla twist feels just right, especially on a warm Erie summer day.

Cloud 9 Wine Bar and Restaurant: Tucked in the middle of Downtown Erie, Cloud 9 pairs elegant small plates and a well-curated wine list with front-row views of city life. The sidewalk patio is also pet-friendly, making it a central spot to do a little people-watching with your furry friend as the city buzzes around you.

Give A Crepe LaCrepErie: The recent addition of a private outdoor patio complete with twinkle lights and greenery, elevates this neighborhood gem. With gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, anyone can enjoy their delicious sweet and savory crepes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Cork 1794: The stylish outdoor patio at The Cork welcomes guests in for a leisurely lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch while relishing in a creative menu sourced from local ingredients. Its outdoor space is thoughtfully designed with a decorative pergola, large-screen TV, and heaters that extend patio season through early fall.

Luckie Louie’s Beer and Wieners: For hot dogs with personality and a huge cooler of craft beer to match, Lucky Louie’s keeps things fun and flavorful. With names like Nacho Average Wiener and Asian Invasion, plus picnic tables to kick back with your beer and dog, it’s an easy-going spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Media Contact: Chris Temple, Director of Communications
(O) 814-454-1000 ext. 136 (C) 814-504-5486

VisitErie Unveils New Brand, Celebrating the Good Life

Rebranding initiative aims to enhance visitor attraction and support the region’s third-largest industry

Erie, Pa: VisitErie, Erie County’s official destination marketing organization, has launched a new brand that celebrates the region’s nautical heritage, natural beauty, authentic charm, and modern attractions—elements that research shows are highly appealing to today’s travelers.

Erie offers a wide range of experiences, making it an attractive year-round destination for those who savor life’s simple pleasures. This strategic rebranding follows a record-breaking year for tourism, which ranks as the county’s third-largest industry. In 2024, tourism generated over $1.2 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 15,000 jobs.

VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver unveiled the new brand, with the tagline: “VisitErie: Good Life. Great Lake.” to enthusiastic community stakeholders and business leaders this morning at the Bayfront Convention Center, which overlooks Presque Isle Bay—a fitting backdrop for this celebratory occasion.

VisitErie has not experienced a major change in identity in more than 15 years and has never had a research-based brand. “It was time for VisitErie to embrace a fresh, forward-thinking vision; one that reflects Erie as a four-season destination and better positions our region as a desirable destination among its target markets,” Oliver said. “The new brand has a stronger, more competitive identity, and we believe, successfully reflects Erie today. Ultimately, this will prepare our region for the next decade, aligning us with what our target visitors want with the assets our region offers, and showing them why Erie is a place they will want to visit again and again.”

The rebrand is the result of an intensive, strategic, 18-month research-based process spanning five phases. More than a new logo or tagline, Oliver continues, “A brand is how we want people to see us. It’s the impression we create. It’s essential in capturing attention and inspiring people to take action; in our case, choosing to visit our beautiful destination here in Erie.”

Research showed that the desires, motivations, and behaviors of visitors to Erie have evolved. Today’s visitors seek authentic, in-the-moment experiences that blend relaxation, outdoor activities, local culture, and food experiences, regardless of the season.

VisitErie’s new identity features a nautical-inspired logo, a warm and inviting color palette of lake blues and nature hues, seasonal imagery, and elements that immerse visitors in the essence of “the good life.” A sizzle reel highlights the brand pillars, which are rooted in the values that define “the good life”: a vibrant blend of community, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

The new brand will be integrated into VisitErie’s new summer campaign in a phased rollout across multiple markets, including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, Johnstown/Altoona, Cleveland/Akron, Buffalo, Wheeling/Steubenville, W. Va., and Youngstown, Ohio.

VisitErie partnered with Red House Communications, its agency of record, to develop its comprehensive branding system, which includes new positioning, visual identity elements, and digital and advertising materials. This award-winning Pittsburgh-based agency is recognized for its expertise in tourism and economic development. Red House previously served as the branding firm for the Pennsylvania Tourism Office for more than a decade and has been VisitErie’s agency since 2023.

Gus Pine, board chair of VisitErie and executive director of Erie Events, stated, “Rebranding VisitErie to promote Erie as a true four-season destination is a crucial step for driving tourism and maximizing the economic benefits for our community. Engaging with Red House on this initiative has resulted in a branding strategy that I believe will engage new audiences and tell our brand story better than ever before.”

“Our new brand embodies authentic, unpolished moments that evoke a sense of carefree and stress-free living,” Oliver said. “It reflects what we hear time and again: being in Erie means living the good life. With Lake Erie, easy access to modern attractions and amenities, and a relaxed pace, Erie is a beautiful place to create lasting memories. Residents treasure these experiences and take pride in calling Erie their home.”

For more information, explore VisitErie.com/goodlife.

 

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When Erie residents need a break from the fast-paced world, they turn to certain comfort foods that evoke tradition, warmth, and community where each plate tells a story and every bite is a flavorful journey. These five must-try dishes are some of the local favorites, craved for their authentic flavors and nostalgic vibes.

1. Take Me to the Greek
   Erie Greek sauce, a regional favorite, can be found at several local restaurants, each giving it its own twist. According to the owner of iconic eatery Panos Restaurant Evan Legace, Erie Greek sauce originated from Greek immigrants, including Legace’s great-grandfather. “My great-grandfather started selling street meat in New York City, developed a Greek sauce, and moved to Erie to open a restaurant. He invited friends from the street food scene to join him, which sparked friendly Greek sauce competitions.” So what exactly is Erie Greek sauce? It’s a distinct blend of meat and spices similar to chili but with a finer texture and no beans. Legace noted, “We use 100% beef with no fillers, natural fat, and spices that are slow-cooked for six hours.” At Panos, Greek sauce covers hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and even omelets; a messy but napkin-worthy indulgence. A Greet dog with Greek fries is a frequent choice for lifelong Erie resident Paula Bruno-Umlah, a regular customer for decades. “Panos flavors their Greek sauce perfectly; plenty of spice but not too spicy, with just the right consistency,” she said.

 

2. A Slice of Heaven
   Dawn Van Scoter isn’t just the owner of The Lawrence Park Dinor, the only diner in Pennsylvania listed on the National Register of Historic Places, she’s also the mastermind baker behind its scratch-made pies and cheesecakes. Every slice is a taste of tradition with her own personal twist to beloved family recipes. “I use many of my mother’s recipes from her collection that goes as far back as the 1960s, with some modification,” Van Scoter says. Pie flavors vary by season, but apple, coconut cream, and the customer-favorite peanut butter pie are available most days. Some of her more imaginative creations include margarita cheesecake, chocolate caramel coconut cookie cheesecake, and trash can pie; a salty-sweet indulgence of pretzels, peanuts, caramel bits, chocolate chips, and coconut. Whole pies, cheesecakes, and custom orders are available with advance request.

 

3. Cue the Q
   Erie is best known for its stunning lakeside views and beaches, but it’s also home to the national, award-winning barbecue at Federal Hill Smokehouse. In just eight years, this no-frills eatery near East 26th and Peach Streets has become an Erie institution for mouth-watering ribs, brisket, smoked sausage, and turkey. Food & Wine magazine even named it Pennsylvania’s “Best Barbecue in Every State” for the last four years. Owner and pitmaster Ryan Atzert smokes more than two thousand pounds of meat each week, serving it up with classic barbecue sides: coleslaw, pinto beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese. “For me, it started as a fun hobby 16 years ago, making barbecue for friends,” said Atzert. “I decided to roll the dice, open my own place, and it took off in a big way.” His secret to success? “There’s no big secret really; just salt, pepper, and time, lots of time,” he explained. If you’re new to Federal Hill, arrive early—they sell out fast.

 

4. It’s a Wing Thing
   Chicken wings are a finger-licking staple of Erie’s casual cuisine scene: fried or baked, bone-in or boneless, wet or dry, sweet or hot. At 6 Pack House of Beer, you’ll find it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your wing cravings and pair them with an ice-cold beer. Here you can choose from 12 drafts on tap and a 17-bay beer cooler, which features options from the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Co-owner Alice DeGeorge, a true wing enthusiast, shares, “We serve over 60 pounds of wings weekly, offering more than 24 flavors. Our house-made sauces include Hot Heads, Ghost Face, and our signature 6 Pack House Sauce, a sticky-sweet hot barbecue. That’s our best seller.” Each month 6 Pack House of Beer creates a bold inventive flavor. This November, the “Thanksgiv-wing” celebrates the start of the holiday season. The wings are tossed in dry stuffing mix and rosemary, fried, and finished with a house-made cranberry sauce that’s infused with Great Lakes Cran-Orange wheat beer. For the best deal, don’t miss Wing-It Wednesdays, with $2 off traditional or boneless wings by the pound (dine-in only).

 

5. Layers of Flavor
   Since opening in May 2024, Roma’s Italian Kitchen has earned high praise for its authentic Italian dishes, particularly its lasagna, dubbed “Erie’s Best Lasagna.” It’s a bold claim, but after tasting this classic comfort food, many agree. “The idea behind ‘Erie’s Best Lasagna’ came during an early tasting meeting,” said Executive Chef Scott Croyle. “One manager took a bite and exclaimed, ‘This has to be the best-tasting lasagna in Erie!’” Nick Scott Jr., vice president of Scott Enterprises, the local family-owned company behind Roma’s, added, “The name lived up to the promise. From the start, customers kept saying the same thing. We knew we had a winner.” Made fresh daily, Roma’s lasagna is a generous portion layered with sweet sausage, creamy ricotta, imported cheeses, and Roma’s signature house-made red sauce. This sauce has a hint of sweetness, naturally enhanced with sofrito; a blend of carrots, onions, and whole garlic sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, crafted with premium plum tomatoes, fresh Italian parsley, and basil. The result? You be the judge. Erie’s Best Lasagna is available for lunch and dinner daily.

Bundle up with your boots, scarves, and gloves because it’s time to explore Presque Isle State Park in the wintertime! Although Presque Isle is mainly known for its sandy beaches, there are many ways to enjoy and explore the park’s natural beauty any time of year. Here are 10 things to do at Presque Isle that will lift your winter spirits and banish those seasonal blues. For a map of Presque Isle State Park and its trails, click here.

1.  Snowshoe on Long Pond Trail

This one-mile trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the park’s lagoon, near the entrance to the east pier. The trail is ideal for snowshoe exploration and has great opportunities to see some of the park’s wildlife population, including some very active beavers that typically cut a noticeable path through the trail near the eastern trailhead. Other snowshoe trails at the park include Pine Tree Trail and Ridge Trail.

2. Educate and Explore at TREC

Although not physically attached to Presque Isle, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (affectionately referred to as “TREC”) is considered the gateway to Presque Isle and an introduction to how the peninsula formed more than a thousand years ago from glaciers and ice melt. This fascinating (and free) attraction features hands-on, educational exhibits, a glass-enclosed observation tower, and Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts.

3. Spot a Snowy Owl at Gull Point

The snowy owl is the largest of the North American owls and is mainly white with black and brown markings. Some snowy owls are known to migrate from their summer nests near the Arctic Circle to parts of southern Canada and the northern rim of the United States, including Presque Isle. The best place to catch a glimpse of a snowy owl is Gull Point, where they perch on land and short posts waiting for prey. To protect the ecologically fragile area, visitors must use the designated observation platform and trail.

4. Cross-Country Ski on Fox Trail

The half-mile Fox Trail is across from the Presque Isle Lighthouse, winding through wooded swamps and oak-maple trees, providing a picturesque, forested byway between the Sidewalk Trail and a portion of the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. Other trails that are maintained for cross-country skiing include the Sidewalk Trail and Dead Pond Trail.

5. Catch a Winter Sunset

Presque Isle is known for its world-class sunsets, but in winter it’s a special sight to behold. When the sun sets on the horizon between the snow-dusted sand and the frozen lake, it’s simply breathtaking. Whether you bundle yourselves up on the beach or enjoy the coziness of your car, it is a gorgeous sight to behold. The best spot to catch this amazing show is at Sunset Point, also known as Kite Beach.

6. Take a Brisk Hike

The Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail sets the perfect stage to enjoy a tranquil stroll along Presque Isle Bay, breathing in the fresh, crisp air among scenic surroundings. In winter, the trail is regularly cleared of snow from the park’s main entrance to the public safety building, so visitors can negotiate the path with ease.

7. Drive Through Beauty with a Scenic Drive

Experience the winter wonders of Presque Isle from the cozy comfort of your vehicle as you meander through the park’s 13-mile paved loop. To maintain the park’s natural condition and protect its natural inhabitants, the main road is cleared of snow but it is not treated with salt or chemicals.

8. Wildlife Watching

Presque Isle’s location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite spot for birds to stop to feed and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. More than 330 species of birds have been identified on the peninsula during the winter including geese, swans, and a wide variety of owls. There is a variety of winter wildlife found throughout the park including white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, rabbits, and raccoons.

9. Admire Frozen Ice Dunes

Ice dunes form as a result of cold Lake Erie waters, icy temperatures, and strong winds coming together. Found on the lakeside of Presque Isle, ice dunes help to preserve the beaches and protect them from sand erosion. Ice dunes are lovely to look at, but admire them from a distance, as their extreme instability makes close encounters hazardous. Capture their splendor through a photograph so the memories last long after the dunes melt away.

10. Ice Fishing

The sheltered, frozen waters of Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, Horseshoe Pond, and Presque Isle Marina are great locations for ice fishing. Common catches are yellow perch, panfish, northern pike, walleye, and the occasional steelhead. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or seeking to upgrade your gear, Fish USA is a one-stop shop with experienced staff and an extensive selection of merchandise.

Know Before You Go:

Presque Isle State Park Winter Hours of Operation
Open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. Day-use areas such as trails, beaches, restrooms, and the marina close at dusk. After dusk, driving is allowed up to 9 p.m.

Dog-Friendly! Presque Isle is a great place to bring your leashed furry friend along with you for a hike. Remember to do your part to help keep the park clean and pick up after them.

Presque Isle State Park Main Office, inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

November 1 – March 31: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.

814-833-7424

Tom Ridge Environmental Center Hours of Operation
November 1 – March 31: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Presque Isle State Park Restrooms

Most restrooms are closed during the off-season. Restrooms at Rotary Pavilion, Public Safety Building/Ranger Station, Perry Monument, North Pier, Niagara Boat Launch, and the Lighthouse Beach restrooms are open year-round.

Presque Isle State Park Ranger Station/Public Safety Building

Offering first aid, telephones, restrooms, and maps of the park.

Hours vary depending on staffing.

814-833-7424
Presque Isle State Park Ice Fishing Regulations